Note that with the default Chrome OS scaling, you’re essentially getting a 1200 x 800 experience.
It’s not until you look at the placement of ports, speakers, and the camera that you realize this isn’t an iPad Pro 11 it’s the HP Chromebook X2 11.Īnd the included magnetic kickstand with its fully adjustable angle is useful for watching content hands-free anywhere you are. At first glance, it’s easy to confuse the two devices. At least there are two!įrom a design standpoint, the X2 reminds me very much of the iPad Pro 11 that I’ve been using for the last two years. I do wish HP had placed one of the two USB Type-C ports on each side of the tablet, but hey, that’s life. It’s leaps and bounds better than any of the other few Chrome OS tablets on the market to date. This 11-inch tablet is solidly built and well designed. HP Chromebook X2 11 hardware: The good so far So even though my aging eyes are used to Chromebooks with a larger display, I’ll be using this Chrome OS tablet as much as possible in the coming days.įor now, though, let’s get to my initial thoughts.
Obviously, I’ll need more time using the HP Chromebook X2 11 before sharing a full review. I haven’t spent too much time with it but I do have some first impressions. HP loaned me its newest Chrome OS tablet a few days ago. It may be difficult to compete with the higher profile Duet by charging more - not to mention that the market might not even be there for a second Chromebook tablet - but we'll have a better idea when (and if) Asus provides official word on the CM3000's existence.Although it’s been available at retail stores for about a month, I’ve only just taken a first look at the HP Chromebook X2 11. Of course, without an official statement from Asus, it's hard to know if that's going to be the final price point, much less whether it will even be available in North America. The inclusion of the pen may be part of why the CM3000 is being listed for a higher price at German e-tailer Saturn (449 euros), but not what translates to a difference of over $100.
It also seems to include a USI pen whereas the Duet has USI pen support but you have a purchase the digital stylus separately. It does uses a a slightly different MediaTek processor than the Duet (MT8183 compared to Helio P60T), however, and comes with a slightly larger screen (10.5-inch versus 10.1-inch). The CM3000 appears to share many features with the Duet, from bundled detachable keyboard to ARM-based processor to full HD touchscreen display.
(That compares to two years ago, when Asus did unveil the Chromebook Tablet CT100 at CES.) However, some Internet sleuthing from the likes of Chrome Unboxed has unearthed its existence through listings on various online retailers, complete with leaked images and specs. It's been well received enough that it's apparently spurred a competitor in the Asus Chromebook Flip CM3000, a similar system that the company didn't announce along with its new Chromebook and Chromebox offerings at CES a couple of weeks ago. One of those splashes came last year with Lenovo's release of the Duet, a 10-inch tablet running Chrome and including a detachable keyboard for under $300.
Like Chromebox desktops, Chromebook tablets are few and far between, with occasional big splashes only to fade away as they fail to connect with the market. Tablets designed to run the Chrome operating systems have had a rocky road, especially compared to the runaway success of Chromebook laptops.